Sign up to receive free email alerts when patent applications with chosen keywords are publishedSIGN UP

Abstract:

A round, hot fillable plastic container includes an upper portion
defining an opening; a bottom portion; and a main body portion having a
plastic sidewall that has a plurality of vacuum panels defined therein.
The main body portion has a generally hourglass shape with a central
portion that is narrower than upper and lower portions thereof. The
hourglass shape optimizes grippability of the container. Grippability is
optimized further by the presence of indentations that are formed between
columns that define the hourglass shape and pillow portions that are
provided for finger support. The indentations permit a consumer to gain
finger traction and purchase with respect to the container body, even
when a label is positioned between the container body and the user's
fingers. The main body portion further has a first groove defined in the
upper portion thereof, a second groove defined in the lower portion
thereof and a third groove that is defined in the central portion
thereof. The grooves provide dimensional stability during handling and
when the main body portion is gripped by a consumer.

Claims:

1. A round, hot fillable plastic container, comprising: an upper portion
defining an opening; a bottom portion; and a main body portion having a
plastic sidewall that has a plurality of vacuum panels defined therein,
the main body portion having a generally hourglass shape with a central
portion that is narrower than upper and lower portions thereof, the main
body portion further having a first groove defined in the upper portion
thereof, a second groove defined in the lower portion thereof and a third
groove that is defined in the central portion thereof, whereby
dimensional stability of the container is retained during handling and
when the main body portion is gripped by a consumer.

2. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 1, wherein
the container has a volume that is at least 32 ounces.

3. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 2, wherein
the container has a volume that is at least 48 ounces.

4. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 1, wherein
the main body portion has an upper gripping portion defined between the
first groove in the third groove, and wherein a plurality of vacuum
panels are defined in the plastic sidewall within the upper gripping
portion.

5. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 4, wherein
the upper gripping portion has a concave outer surface as viewed in side
elevation that has a first average radius of curvature.

6. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 5, wherein
the main body portion further has a lower gripping portion defined
between the second groove in the third groove, the lower gripping portion
having a plurality of vacuum panels defined therein and a concave outer
surface that has a second average radius of curvature, and wherein the
second average radius of curvature is substantially the same as the first
average radius of curvature.

7. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 5, wherein
the container has a maximum outer diameter, and wherein a ratio of the
first average radius of curvature to the maximum outer diameter is
substantially within a range of about 1.0 to about 20.0.

8. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 7, wherein
the ratio of the first average radius of curvature to the maximum outer
diameter is substantially within a range of about 1.5 to about 8.0.

9. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 8, wherein
the ratio of the first average radius of curvature to the maximum outer
diameter is substantially within a range of about 1.75 to about 5.0.

10. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 1, wherein
the first, second and third grooves are all defined in the sidewall so as
to extend circumferentially about the container.

11. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 1, wherein
the main body portion has an upper gripping portion defined between the
first groove and the third groove and a lower gripping portion defined
between the second groove and the third groove, the upper gripping
portion and the lower gripping portion both having a plurality of vacuum
panels defined therein.

12. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 11,
wherein the upper gripping portion has a shape that is substantially
symmetrical to the shape of the lower gripping portion about a plane that
contains the third groove.

13. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 11,
wherein at least one vacuum panel in the upper gripping portion is
tapered so that it is wider at an upper end thereof than at a lower end
thereof.

14. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 11,
wherein the upper gripping portion and the lower gripping portion each
have six vacuum panels defined therein.

16. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 15,
wherein the pillow portions are tapered so as to have larger first width
on an end that is distal from the third groove then a second width on an
end that is proximate to the third groove.

17. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 11,
wherein the upper gripping portion and the lower gripping portion
together define a concave average radius of curvature as viewed in side
elevation, the concave average radius of curvature being substantially
within a range of about 100 mm to about 1000 mm.

18. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 17,
wherein the average radius of curvature is substantially within a range
of about 150 mm to about 700 mm.

19. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 18,
wherein the average radius of curvature is substantially within a range
of about 200 mm to about 500 mm.

20. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 17,
wherein the container has a volume that is at least about 32 ounces.

21. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 20,
wherein the container has a volume that is at least about 48 ounces.

22. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 21,
wherein the container has a volume that is at least about 64 ounces.

23. A round, hot fillable plastic container according to claim 1, further
comprising a label that is shrunk fit over the main body portion.

25. A round, hot fillable plastic container, comprising: a plastic
sidewall defining an interior space and defining an internal volume of
the container that is at least about 32 ounces, the sidewall defining a
main body portion having a generally hourglass shape with a central
portion that is narrower than upper and lower portions thereof, the main
body portion further having a first groove defined in the upper portion
thereof, a second groove defined in the lower portion thereof and a third
groove that is defined in the central portion thereof, with an upper
gripping surface having a first plurality of vacuum panels being defined
between the first groove and the third groove and a lower gripping
surface having a second plurality of vacuum panels being defined between
the second groove and the third groove; and a label that is mounted on
the plastic sidewall so as to conform to the main body portion.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of plastic
containers, and more particularly to plastic containers that are designed
to accommodate volumetric expansion and contraction such as that inherent
to the hot-fill packaging process or to packaging applications where
internal pressurization is anticipated.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Technology

[0004] Many products that were previously packaged using glass containers
are now being supplied in plastic containers, such as containers that are
fabricated from polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0005] PET containers are typically manufactured using the stretch blow
molding process. This involves the use of a preform that is injection
molded into a shape that facilitates distribution of the plastic material
within the preform into the desired final shape of the container. The
preform is first heated and then is longitudinally stretched and
subsequently inflated within a mold cavity so that it assumes the desired
final shape of the container. As the preform is inflated, it takes on the
shape of the mold cavity. The polymer solidifies upon contacting the
cooler surface of the mold, and the finished hollow container is
subsequently ejected from the mold.

[0006] Hot fill containers are designed to be used with the conventional
hot fill process in which a liquid or semi-solid product such as fruit
juice, sauce, salsa, jelly or fruit salad is introduced into the
container while warm or hot, as appropriate, for sanitary packaging of
the product. After filling, such containers undergo significant
volumetric shrinkage as a result of the cooling of the product within the
sealed container. Hot fill type containers accordingly must be designed
to have the capability of accommodating such shrinkage. Typically this
has been done by incorporating one or more vacuum panels into the side
wall of the container that are designed to flex inwardly as the volume of
the product within the container decreases as a result of cooling.
Several vacuum panels are typically provided, with integral column
structures interposed between the respective vacuum panels. The vacuum
panel regions of conventional hot fill containers are usually recessed
with respect to the adjacent columns. Hot fill containers are typically
fabricated using PET, but alternatively can be fabricated using a
material such as polypropylene using an extrusion blow molding process.

[0007] In many cases, the needs of a manufacturer require that a label be
secured to the container over the vacuum panels. In order to avoid
excessive crinkling or deformation of the label when the container is
squeezed or when volumetric expansion or contraction occurs within the
container, it is important that the vacuum panels and the container as a
whole be designed to provide as much support for the label as possible.
In some cases, one or more raised areas are provided within the vacuum
panel for improved label support. These are typically referred to as
pillows or islands.

[0008] Smaller hot fill containers, typically those under 32 ounces in
volume, are commonly referred to as single serve containers in the
industry as the entire contents of the container can be consumed by a
user at one time. Containers that are 32 ounces and larger are typically
referred to as multi-serve containers. These include large juice
containers, with common volumetric sizes being 32 ounces, 48 ounces, 64
ounces, 96 ounces, and even a gallon. Design considerations that are
present in the engineering of larger, multi-serve containers can be
substantially different than those that are taken into account for
smaller, single serve containers.

[0009] Grippability is an important design consideration in the
engineering of such containers. In larger, multi-serve containers
grippability has often been enhanced by providing a pair of deep vacuum
panels that can also serve as gripping points for a consumer when picking
the container up and handling the container during pouring. However, when
a product manufacturer desires a large, multi-serve container to which a
shrink fit label will be applied, the use of such deep vacuum panels is
impractical because the label will bridge the recesses that are defined
by the vacuum panels and render them inaccessible for gripping the
container. In addition, certain product manufacturers prefer round
containers, i.e. containers that are substantially circular in transverse
cross-section at their widest dimensions, and it is difficult to
implement certain types of gripping recesses in a circular container.
Accordingly, designing a large, multi-serve container that is
simultaneously suitable for use with a shrink fit label and that
possesses adequate grippability for a consumer has been problematic,
particularly in a round container.

[0010] A need exists for an improved round, multi-serve hot fillable
container that provides superior grippability and that is suitable for
use with shrink fit labeling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved round, multi-serve hot fillable container to provide superior
grippability and that is suitable for use with shrink fit labeling.

[0012] In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention, a
round, hot fillable plastic container according to a first aspect of the
invention includes an upper portion defining an opening and a bottom
portion. The container further includes a main body portion having a
plastic sidewall that has a plurality of vacuum panels defined therein.
The main body portion has a generally hourglass shape with a central
portion that is narrower than upper and lower portions thereof. The main
body portion further has a first groove defined in the upper portion
thereof, a second groove defined in the lower portion thereof and a third
groove that is defined in the central portion thereof, whereby
dimensional stability of the container is retained during handling and
when the main body portion is gripped by a consumer.

[0013] A round, hot fillable plastic container according to a second
aspect of the invention includes a plastic sidewall defining an interior
space and defining an internal volume of the container that is at least
about 32 ounces. The sidewall defines a main body portion having a
generally hourglass shape with a central portion that is narrower than
upper and lower portions thereof. The main body portion further has a
first groove defined in the upper portion of the main body portion, a
second groove defined in the lower portion of the main body portion and a
third groove that is defined in the central portion of the main body
portion. An upper gripping surface having a first plurality of vacuum
panels is defined between the first groove and the third groove and a
lower gripping surface having a second plurality of vacuum panels is
defined between the second groove and the third groove. A label is
mounted on the plastic sidewall so as to conform to the main body
portion.

[0014] These and various other advantages and features of novelty that
characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the
claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better
understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained
by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further
part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there
is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plastic container that is
constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the plastic container that is
shown in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 in FIG. 2;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 2;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 in FIG. 2;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container assembly including the
plastic container that is shown in FIG. 1; and

[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlargement of a portion within FIG. 2, depicting a
vacuum panel in a container that is constructed according to the
preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0024] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in
particular to FIG. 1, a round, hot fillable plastic container 10 that is
constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes
a container body 12 having a main body portion 14, an upper portion 16
and a bottom 22. In the preferred embodiment, the upper portion 16
includes a finish portion 18 having an external thread 20. A rounded dome
portion 58 is preferably provided between the main body portion 14 and
the upper portion 16.

[0025] In this embodiment, the entire container 10 is preferably
fabricated from a material such as polyethylene terephthalate, commonly
known by the acronym PET, from a plastic preform using the well-known
reheat stretch blow molding process. Alternatively, the container 10 can
be fabricated from a material such as polypropylene, and could be
manufactured using a conventional extrusion blow molding process, the
details of which are well known in this area of technology.

[0026] The main body portion 14 and the rest of the container 10 is
fabricated as a single, unitary piece having a thin plastic sidewall 24.
As is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body portion 14 has a
plurality of vacuum panels 46, 50 defined therein and is constructed to
have generally hourglass shape with a central portion 26 that is
narrower, as measured transversely to the longitudinal axis 54 of the
container 10, than either an upper portion 28 or a lower portion 30 of
the main body portion 14. The hourglass shape optimizes grippability of
the container 10.

[0027] The main body portion 14 preferably has a first groove 32 that is
defined in the upper portion 28, and a second groove 34 that is defined
in the lower portion 30. In the preferred embodiment, both the first and
second grooves 32, 34 extend circumferentially within a transverse plane
about an entire circumference of the container body 12. The main body
portion 14 additionally preferably includes a third groove 36 that is
located in the central portion 26 of the main body portion 14. The third
groove 36 also preferably is configured so as to extend circumferentially
within a transverse plane about an entire circumference of the container
body 12. Each of the grooves 32, 34, 36 is preferably constructed so as
to be of constant depth in shape throughout their circumference. In other
words, each of the grooves 32, 34, 36 preferably has a substantially
annular shape that is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 54 of the
container body 12.

[0028] The container 10 is preferably a multi-serve container, preferably
defining an internal volume that is at least about 32 ounces, more
preferably at least about 48 ounces and most preferably at least about 64
ounces.

[0029] The main body portion 14 has an upper gripping portion 38 defined
between the first groove 32 and the third groove 36, and a plurality of
vacuum panels 46 are preferably defined in the upper gripping portion 38.
Similarly, the main body portion 14 has a lower gripping portion 40 that
is positioned between the second groove 34 and the third groove 36. The
lower gripping portion 40 preferably includes a plurality of vacuum
panels 50.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the upper gripping portion 38 as a
shape that is substantially symmetrical to the shape of the lower
gripping portion 40 about a transverse plane that contains the third
groove.

[0031] The upper gripping portion 38 preferably has a concave outer
surface 42 that defines a first average radius of curvature R1, and
the lower gripping portion 40 preferably has a concave outer surface 44
that defines a second average radius of curvature R2. In the
preferred embodiment, the second average radius of curvature R2 is
substantially the same as the first average radius of curvature R1,
and the respective concave outer surfaces 42, 44 together form a single
curved shape that defines the hourglass shape of the container body 12 in
the main body portion 14. In the preferred embodiment, the radius of
curvature of each of the concave outer surfaces 42, 44 is substantially
constant, but in alternative embodiments could have some variability.

[0032] The plastic container 10 defines a maximum outer transverse
dimension, which in the preferred embodiment is a maximum outer diameter
DMAX, shown in FIG. 2, located immediately above the first groove
32. A portion of the container 10 that is immediately beneath the second
groove 34 in the preferred embodiment is substantially equal to a maximum
outer diameter DMAX. These two locations on the container body 12
form dimensionally stable points of contact, which enable the container
10 to be efficiently handled using conventional conveyance technology in
a packaging facility. The provision of the first and second grooves 32,
34 immediately adjacent to the dimensionally stable points of contact
enhances the dimensional stability of those portions of the container
body 12. A plastic container 10 is what is termed in the industry a round
container, meaning that it has a substantially circular transverse
cross-section in the areas of its maximum outer diameter DMAX.

[0033] Preferably, a ratio R1/DMAX of the first average radius
of curvature to the maximum outer diameter of the container 10 is
substantially within a range of about 1.0 to about 20.0, more preferably
substantially within a range of about 1.5 to about 8 and most preferably
substantially within a range of about 1.75 to about 5.

[0034] Each of the average radii of curvature R1, R2 is
preferably substantially within a range of about 100 mm to about 1000 mm,
more preferably substantially within a range of about 150 mm to about 700
mm and most preferably substantially within a range of about 200 mm to
about 500 mm. In the most preferred embodiment, the two concave outer
surfaces 42, 44 define a single radius of curvature that preferably falls
within the ranges specified above.

[0035] In the most preferred embodiment, the upper gripping portion 38
includes six vacuum panels 46 that are spaced evenly about the
circumference of the container body 12 and that are respectively
separated from each other by columns 56. Each of the vacuum panels 46
preferably includes an outwardly extending pillow portion 48 in order to
provide label support, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In
the preferred embodiment, the vacuum panels 46 are substantially
identical to each other in size and shape.

[0036] The hourglass shape optimizes grippability of the container 10.
Grippability is optimized further by the presence of the indentations
that are formed between the columns 56 and the pillow portions 48, which
permit a consumer to gain finger traction and purchase with respect to
the container body 12, even when a label is positioned between the
container body 12 and the user's fingers.

[0037] Similarly, the lower gripping portion 40 in the most preferred
embodiment includes six vacuum panels 50 that are evenly spaced about the
circumference of the container body 12 and that are respectively
separated from each other by columns 58. Each of the vacuum panels 50
preferably includes an outwardly extending pillow portion 52 in order to
provide label support. In the preferred embodiment, the vacuum panels 50
are substantially identical to each other in size and in shape, and are
also shape to be substantially symmetrical in size and in shape, about a
transverse plane that includes the third groove 36, with the vacuum
panels 46 that are provided in the upper gripping portion 38.

[0038] Preferably, at least one vacuum panel 46, 50 is tapered so that is
wider at an end that is distal to the third groove 36 that it is at an
end that is proximate to the third groove 36. In the most preferred
embodiment, all of the vacuum panels 46, 50 are so tapered, and the
extent of the tapering is proportional to the increased surface area that
is created as a result of the hourglass shape of the main body portion 14
near the upper and lower portions 28, 30. FIG. 9 is an enlarged portion
of FIG. 2 depicting one of the vacuum panels 50 within the lower gripping
portion 40. Each of the vacuum panels 50 also has a maximum width
WV1 at a lower end thereof that is greater than a maximum width
WV2 at an upper end thereof.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, the outwardly extending pillow portion 48 of
each of the pillows 50 preferably has a convex shape facing outwardly as
viewed in transverse cross-section, and has an average radius of
curvature R3. A ratio R3/DMAX of the average radius of
curvature R3 to the maximum outer diameter of the container 10 is
preferably substantially within a range of about 0.15 to about 0.65, more
preferably substantially within a range of about 0.2 to about 0.5 and
most preferably substantially within a range of about 0.25 to about 0.45.
The convex shape of the pillows 50 promotes label support.

[0040] As FIG. 4 best shows, each of the outwardly extending pillow
portions 48 also preferably is convex facing outwardly as viewed in
vertical or longitudinal cross-section, and has an average radius of
curvature R4. A ratio R4/R1 of the average radius of
curvature R4 to the first average radius of curvature R1is
preferably substantially within a range of about 0.3 to about 1.4, more
preferably substantially within a range of about 0.35 to about 1.2 and
most preferably substantially within a range of about 0.4 to about 1.1.

[0041] In addition, each of the pillows 52 is also preferably tapered in
shape so that it is wider at an end that is distal to the third groove 36
than it is at an end that is proximate to the third groove 36. As FIG. 9
shows, the pillow 52 includes a maximum width WP1 at a lower end
thereof that is greater than a maximum width WP2 at an upper end
thereof.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows a container assembly 60 that is constructed according
to the preferred embodiment of the invention. The container assembly 60
includes the container 10 described above, which has been filled with
product such as fruit juice, and has been wrapped in a shrink fit label
62 that conforms to the hourglass shape of the container body 12.
Container assembly 60 further includes a conventional closure cap 64 and
a tamper evident seal in order to keep the product sealed within the
container 10.

[0043] The aforementioned structure provides a round, multi-serve hot
fillable container that possesses superior grippability and that is
suitable for use with shrink fit labeling.

[0044] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set
forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the
structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative
only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape,
size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to
the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in
which the appended claims are expressed.